Uttarakhand bans gutkha, paan masala, and tobacco products for one year

The Uttarakhand government has imposed a one-year ban on the production, storage, distribution, and sale of gutkha, paan masala, and any food products containing tobacco or nicotine. The order, issued by the Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration Vinay Shankar Pandey, is set to take effect from October 13, 2026, for a duration of one year.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the decision aims to curb addiction and protect the younger generation from the adverse effects of narcotic substances. He noted that the policy is reviewed annually to address the ongoing use of tobacco and nicotine in food products despite existing regulations under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.

This move follows previous restrictions implemented by the state in 2013, 2015, and 2019. The government emphasized that the ban is part of a broader effort to prevent addiction among the youth and align with national goals to safeguard the country’s future.